Yes, Dude, 3 methods of multiplication. "Your son refused to illustrate the 3 different ways to multiply according to Everyday Math. He NEEDS to know that."
Here's the funny part: they agreed to let him work on his own at his level. So, maybe I should be this way all the time? I actually got somewhere today!
Probably. People often back down when you stand up to them.
Perhaps I'm cynical, but I fear that teachers or administrators who get rigid about things like what you've described won't be interested in looking at much of anything you show them, including
A Nation at Risk, books, or whatever. The sense I've had from many people is an overall lack of interest.
You may want to feel them out to see if they're interested in learning about giftedness. If they aren't, I'd take the victory and NOT apologize. You have nothing to apologize for (but they might).
